Secondary Water Damage Prevention: Tips and Strategies

When a pipe bursts or a sink overflows, the immediate water damage is easy to see. But even when you fix the source of the problem and clean up the standing water, danger could still lurk within the walls or under the floors. Without help from a water restoration company in Columbia, MO, you could face secondary water damage that creates health risks and eventually requires expensive repairs. 

Here, we explain the types of secondary water damage and how to prevent it while restoring your home to its pre-loss condition. 

What Is Secondary Water Damage?

Secondary water damage refers to the problems that pop up after you remove water from a flood or other emergency. This damage isn’t necessarily directly attributable to exposure to water but rather to the ongoing humidity in the space. In most cases, this damage occurs because property owners don’t take action (act too late) or because of cleanup methods that don’t follow industry standards. 

The most common secondary damages include:

• Mold growth. Mold can start to grow and spread within 24 hours. 
• Wood rot. Wet wood can rot and deteriorate, putting your home’s structural integrity in jeopardy.
• Corrosion. Exposure to water can make metal materials, like HVAC ducts and studs, vulnerable to rust and corrosion. 
• Material damage. Ongoing moisture can cause drywall to deteriorate and crumble, paint to peel and bumble, and floors to buckle or weaken. 
• Electrical damage. Water inside electrical sockets can cause shocks and increase fire risk. 

Any of these types of damage is worrisome and requires attention. You can avoid them by calling a water damage restoration company immediately. 

Read About - Causes of Basement Water Damage

How to Stop Secondary Damage Before It Starts 

Time is of the essence when you want to protect your home from water damage, so as soon as it’s safe to do so, call a water restoration company for help. This way, they can begin the water extracting and removal procedure promptly and start the drying process before the moisture seeps into walls, floors, and other parts of your home and saturates them. In general, you have no more than 48 hours to start the cleanup process before mold and contamination start spreading and make the process more complex.

Removing the water is only the beginning, though. Drying the affected areas is critical to stopping the spread of mold and corrosion. Water cleanup professionals use industrial-strength dryers and dehumidifiers, as well as ventilation, to dry wet areas as quickly as possible. This is the most critical step, as even a minimal amount of moisture can support mold growth, eating away at your home and creating health risks. 

Cleanup crews also reduce health risks by cleaning and disinfecting affected areas and personal belongings. Some items and materials may not be salvageable after exposure to standing water; for example, you may need to replace carpets and upholstery because of a mold infestation. Eliminating contaminants is critical to preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Applying mold inhibitors and staying alert to the signs of growth are also important to the restoration process and preventing secondary damage. Again, working with trained professionals is essential, as they can identify the hidden or hard-to-reach areas where moisture can hide. Addressing these helps ensure thorough drying and cleanup, which is especially important when dealing with common water damage issues.

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The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring 

After the initial water damage cleanup, homeowners must continue watching for signs of secondary damage. Issues like warping or cracking floors, musty odors, or crumbling drywall indicate a problem that requires immediate attention. 

Professional restoration immediately after a water emergency can prevent the hassles of secondary damage and preserve the long-term well-being of your family and home. Continuing to monitor for hidden damage can stop further deterioration and decay. 

Turn to ABC Environmental Contracting Services for Help 

Whatever the reason you have water damage, you cannot afford to wait to deal with it. For immediate help in the Columbia and Jefferson City, MO, areas, turn to the local experts at ABC Environmental Contracting Services. Our knowledgeable technicians are on call 24 hours a day to help locals get the help they need as soon as they need it.

We understand that you want to restore your home to its previous condition as quickly as possible, so we use state-of-the-art water extraction and drying equipment to solve immediate problems and prevent secondary damage. Our water restoration company services include everything from cleanup and disinfection to insurance claim assistance, so you can relax knowing we’re on your side. 

To get help when you need it, call ABC Environmental Contracting Services at (573) 928-2668 or fill out our contact form on our website.